5 Free Ways to Entertain Kids in Adelaide

Sometimes it can feel like entertaining the kids can be an expensive task. When you head into town you've usually got to budget for food, public transport fares and the occasional treat on top of whatever activity you plan on doing. Luckily the city is also a treasure trove of free fun just waiting to be explored. Here are some great ways to entertain the kids for free in town.

1. Get Cultural on North Terrace

Luckily we have a museum and an art gallery on North Terrace, both of which are free. You can stare down dinosaurs, examine ancient mummies, or immerse yourself in our oceans at the Museum, or you can create your own works of art over at the Art Gallery. For something a little different you can visit the Migration Museum, just behind the regular museum. Technically it's not free, but you'll only need a gold coin donation.

2. Play Around at the Playground

Adelaide has some great playgrounds at all ends of the city. To the west there's Bonython Park--it's got a great new playground with hamster wheels, a mini creek bed, swings, slides, and just about everything else you could think of. Rymill Park has one of the best play areas to the east. There's also a canteen where you can grab lunch and a lake with a fun island that can be reached via the bridge. Along South Terrace there are a slew of great playgrounds, Marshmallow Playground is one of our favourites.

3. Go Green in the Outdoors

One of the most fun green places to explore is Botanic Park. The Moreton Bay fig trees have huge roots that are fun to climb all over. It's a pretty magical spot. Of course you're also right by the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore for free. If you head down South the Adelaide-Himeji Gardens are a peaceful place to wander for a bit.

4. Splash in a Fountain

On a hot day a bit of fountain fun can be one of the best ways to cool down. We've always loved the water fountains out the front of the South Australian Museum. Sometimes during the school holidays they'll set up special activities in the fountains and kids are encouraged to run around and have a play. Now Victoria Square is also home to a "water play fountain" replacing their old traditional-style fountain.

5. Foodie Fun at the Adelaide Central Market

The Central Market can be fun if your kids are into trying different foods. The different fruit and veg stalls sometimes have tastings you can try for free and places like the Yoghurt Shop will also give free samples. It's a good idea to pay attention to the Central Market website as there are sometimes free events tailored for kids.

What are your favourite things to do in town for free? Do you have any great suggestions that should have been included on the list?